Distorting democracy: the world is watching Somalia’s unfolding sub-optimal election

[Deeq A.]

To refresh our memory, the idea of an indirect election based on 4.5 clan power sharing formula for troubled Somalia was meant to be a way of finding an acceptable temporary solution to long standing mistrust among the people and to bridge to a multi-party election in 2012/2016. It has not been the case then and now and the indirect election is seen by some as the preferred political path to power for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, the country’s leadership have promised political stability, lasting peace, national reconciliation so that credible census and universal suffrage will take place within the next four years. It’s worth mentioning that previous attempts to prepare for the alternative –one-person-one -vote – fell short of its target due to unnecessary delays or perhaps lack of expertise and timely oversight of the work to be done by the electoral commission. Here we go again in 2021/2022 that finally the implementation of the delayed election is underway albeit on a gradual approach.

Source: Hiiraan Online